Google Reshapes Play Store Dynamics Amid Epic Games Settlement

Google has announced significant changes to its Play Store policies after resolving its long-running legal dispute with Epic Games. The agreement introduces adjustments to app store commissions and launches a new Registered App Stores program, reflecting a shift in how the company manages its Android ecosystem.

Redefined Commission Structure

Under the new framework, Google will reduce its commission on in-app purchases to 20% for new installs. Developers who continue to use Google’s billing system will pay an additional 5%. The revised fee structure will take effect on June 30, 2026, across the United States, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. Lower rates will also apply to subscription services. Developers participating in Google’s new programs will pay 15% on recurring subscriptions generated from new installs, bringing Play Store pricing closer to policies seen across the broader app marketplace.

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Enhancing App Store Flexibility

Google’s Registered App Stores program is designed to simplify the installation of applications from alternative marketplaces while maintaining security safeguards. Under the program, external app stores can operate more easily on Android devices if they meet specific safety and quality requirements. The change also addresses one of the key concerns raised by Epic Games during the dispute, particularly the warning messages users encounter when installing apps outside the Play Store.

Global Impact And Strategic Shifts

The agreement also enables the return of Fortnite to the Google Play Store globally. At the same time, Epic Games continues developing its own Epic Games Store for Android devices. Industry observers suggest that the changes could increase competition within the Android ecosystem by giving developers additional distribution channels.

Developer-Centric Initiatives

Alongside the policy adjustments, Google is introducing programs aimed at improving the quality of applications and games on Android. The Apps Experience Program and an updated Google Play Games Level Up initiative are intended to support developers in building stronger user experiences.

These efforts form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Android ecosystem while encouraging higher standards for apps and digital services.

Industry Comparisons And Future Prospects

The policy changes arrive amid wider scrutiny of app store practices across the technology sector. Similar disputes involving platform commissions and marketplace access have also affected companies such as Apple.

Implementation of the new framework will begin in major markets in 2026, with global expansion expected by September 30, 2027. Tim Sweeney has publicly supported the revised policies, stating that the changes offer improved conditions for developers operating within the Android ecosystem.

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Passkeys Are The Gold Standard For Account Security. So Why Don’t More Major Apps Offer Them?

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 25, 2026

Passkeys are increasingly being promoted as one of the most effective ways to protect online accounts. By reducing reliance on passwords, they help prevent phishing attacks, simplify sign-ins and strengthen account security. Despite those advantages, however, many major digital platforms have yet to adopt the technology.

A Security Upgrade Still Missing At Scale

That gap is the focus of whynopasskeys.com, a new site created by security researcher Scott Helme to highlight companies that have not yet enabled passkeys for their users. The site tracks major consumer brands that continue to rely on older login methods even as passkeys become the industry standard.

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Among the services still without passkey support are Instagram, Netflix and Spotify, according to the site’s data.

Why Passkeys Matter

Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys are generated on a user’s device and linked both to that device and to a specific website or application. Authentication can be completed through biometrics such as Face ID or Touch ID, a hardware security key or a password manager.

Because users do not need to create or remember passwords, opportunities for credential theft, phishing attacks and password reuse are significantly reduced. In most cases, gaining access to an account would require direct access to the user’s device.

Public Accountability As A Pressure Tactic

In a blog post explaining the project, Helme said the goal is to create pressure by making the absence of passkey support visible. “A list is a surprisingly effective motivator. Nobody wants to be on the list,” he wrote.

That approach has already worked elsewhere in cybersecurity: when businesses are publicly compared against peers on basic protections, they often move faster to close the gap. In this case, the list is intended to push platforms to give users a stronger and simpler login option.

The Companies Moving Faster

Many large technology companies have already adopted passkeys, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, reflecting the technology’s growing role in account security.

Implementation, however, remains uneven. Instagram users can currently access passkeys only when their account is linked to a Facebook account that already has passkey support enabled, highlighting differences in adoption even within the same company.

The Bigger Business Question

Meta has not publicly explained why passkeys are available on some of its platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, but not fully across Instagram.

Debate within the industry is no longer centred on whether passkeys work, but on how quickly companies are willing to deploy them. As phishing, credential theft and account fraud remain persistent cybersecurity challenges, passkeys are increasingly being viewed not as an optional feature but as an emerging security standard.

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